What's the moon doing to me this month?

This July there is an astrology of new opportunities under a heavy 'bed' of emotion and angst. The Cancer New Moon takes place on the 5th July at 11:57pm, and despite being a water sign, it represents action as we sit with our sun and moon aligned under this sign of the home-maker and protector.

There is a strong theme of protection at this new moon, so rather than feeling angry, take time to notice this feeling of protection and nurturing of friends, family, home. Although under the sun we reach that pause before the harvest begins in full swing, like every new moon, there is an energy calling you to plant seeds of intention, particularly regarding your emotions, sense of safety and home, and protection of your overall well-being.

These intentions will build as we wax toward the full moon in Capricorn on 21st July, as we may feel a true pul for balance between our inner and outer worlds, our need for rest and the pull and pressure to achieve, to do, to 'get the things done'.

Emotions may be running high this new moon, and you may feel aware of a sense of wanting to protect feeling and structures of connection, whether that's family, friendship groups, work bonds or your local communities.  Notice these emotions and try to breathe before you respond, so any anger or frustration is diffused before you comment.

You'll feel called to be supported and also find yourself being the shoulder for others to lean on and beware of a sense of overwhelm at this time, which can lead to hypersensitivity, hurt and anger in you and those around you.  Notice if these feelings are stuck in the past, caught on old attitudes and beliefs that perhaps need a little mature 'upgrade'.

You may find it helpful to journal to pay attention to these energies and let them pass, rather than feeling 'stuck' by them.

Mixed in this is the old Cancerian trait of wanting to withdraw, to side step difficulties and try and defend - even if that means pushing away the people and connections that you need for comfort and joy.

You may see a disconnection from others and this reclusiveness is their own insecurities trying to protect themselves.  Don't back them into a corner or they'll give you a nasty pinch as they lash out.

There's a real polarised dance being played by this new moon energy, so lean into the dance and notice if you want to get swept up in the wave - or watch, breathe, flow and let it go.

Casting your wishes this new moon, make sure surrendering the things you do not need is wrapped up in your wishes for the future.  How can you make at least one of your wishes about connection and cohesion with the community around you too?

Journaling prompts for the new moon:

Under this new moon, I notice how feminine energies of home-making, nurturing, connecting and healing relationships are playing out for me in....

Under the new moon, I am aware of where I side-step around....

I lean into my soul's wishes and find myself yearning for....

I truly desire...

See what happens as you explore this energy.

As this unfurls into July, Venus, the planet of love and beauty, makes an harmonious trine with Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, on 11th. This encourages us to indulge in our artistic pursuits and seek deeper connections and a touch of romance.  However, Venus and Pluto falls into opposition on 12th July introduces a more intense dynamic that challenges us  to confront the darker aspects of our desires and relationships, pushing us to transform and evolve through these experiences.

Mars, the planet of action and drive, encounters Uranus, the planet of sudden changes and innovation, on 15th July a meeting that can provoke a desire to break free from constraints and to act on more revolutionary impulses. Yet, as Mars moves into Gemini on 20th July, just before the Capricorn Full Moon on 21st, this energy is tempered with a reminder to use this action thoughtfully and considerately with planned strategy as opposed to reckless haste.

The Capricorn full moon, will bring this sense of conflict forward, so breathe into it gently and remember it's not just you feeling this 'wave', so you'll need to both guide your own emotions and be wary of others!